Front Body Mount Clearance

[volpe30]

2016 Trail with Bilstein TRD Pro suspension. Last week I installed the Dobinsons front coils for an additional 1" of lift (2" total over stock) and 599 rear springs for approximately 1.25" of lift in back. Camburg ball joint UCA's and KO2 285/70/17. Current alignment is at +4.5 caster with everything else in spec. Drives/handles great on road. As it stands, I have approximately 3/16 to 1/4 inch of clearance between the tire and body mount on both sides when steering wheel is turned full to either side (mud flaps removed). It rubs the body mount on both sides, but only when I brake hard and turn full lock simultaneously. Doesn't seem to be rubbing any other time, including full lock in reverse. I haven't had the opportunity to test things off road yet.

Looking for feedback, experience, opinions, etc. on whether or not I need more room between the tire and body mount given the only time it rubs is under the above mentioned conditions. Any thoughts on given all this how much or if it will rub much in off road conditions? I'm not a rock crawler, but do spend many days on trails in Idaho, Oregon, Utah, etc., some that are pretty challenging as far as terrain and being somewhat technical. Was thinking about bumping the caster up to +5, but thinking .5 more caster really won't do much for me.

Appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance.

 

[rochmpr]

2016 Trail with Bilstein TRD Pro suspension. Last week I installed the Dobinsons front coils for an additional 1" of lift (2" total over stock) and 599 rear springs for approximately 1.25" of lift in back. Camburg ball joint UCA's and KO2 285/70/17. Current alignment is at +4.5 caster with everything else in spec. Drives/handles great on road. As it stands, I have approximately 3/16 to 1/4 inch of clearance between the tire and body mount on both sides when steering wheel is turned full to either side (mud flaps removed). It rubs the body mount on both sides, but only when I brake hard and turn full lock simultaneously. Doesn't seem to be rubbing any other time, including full lock in reverse. I haven't had the opportunity to test things off road yet.

Looking for feedback, experience, opinions, etc. on whether or not I need more room between the tire and body mount given the only time it rubs is under the above mentioned conditions. Any thoughts on given all this how much or if it will rub much in off road conditions? I'm not a rock crawler, but do spend many days on trails in Idaho, Oregon, Utah, etc., some that are pretty challenging as far as terrain and being somewhat technical. Was thinking about bumping the caster up to +5, but thinking .5 more caster really won't do much for me.

Appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance.

By chance are you running wheel spacers? Also, there is a fair amount of "play" in the rubber bushings during situations like you describe as well as off road even at slow speed. If it's minor, you could molt likely leave it. If you can get +5* caster, that's awesome. I was barely able to get 4*. Obviously the BMC will net you the most clearance, if you are willing to go that route.

 

[volpe30]

By chance are you running wheel spacers? Also, there is a fair amount of "play" in the rubber bushings during situations like you describe as well as off road even at slow speed. If it's minor, you could molt likely leave it. If you can get +5* caster, that's awesome. I was barely able to get 4*. Obviously the BMC will net you the most clearance, if you are willing to go that route.

No spacers. Should have mentioned I’m on stock trail wheels also. Trying to avoid a BMC, but will do

if necessary. Pretty sure I can get +5 caster. Thanks for the response.


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[mrblah]

If you aren't going to do a BMC, keep an eye on the BM that is rubbing for rust. I ended up getting a BMC not because the rubbing was bothering me, but I got tired of cleaning up the rust from the rubbing.

 

[83Mule]

Have the alignment guy push your lower control arm forward and then get the most caster He can......4 is fine and 5 isn't needed. If not, sawzall and 15 minutes+ a shot of Rustoleum and you are good.

 

[volpe30]

Have the alignment guy push your lower control arm forward and then get the most caster He can......4 is fine and 5 isn't needed. If not, sawzall and 15 minutes+ a shot of Rustoleum and you are good.

Isn’t moving the lower control arm how caster is adjusted on the 4Runner?


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[KingTaco]

No spacers. Should have mentioned I’m on stock trail wheels also. Trying to avoid a BMC, but will do

if necessary. Pretty sure I can get +5 caster. Thanks for the response.

I swear I saw this truck at the Parkcenter Albertsons last week...

FWIW, I'm about to go to 295s, and have been thinking about how much I'll have to rearrange/chop off. Once I got my head under there and really understood what was involved with the BMC, I became a lot less hesitant to do it. Really seems like no big deal at all.

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

Your wheels are part of the problem. Here's mine with 1.5" lift and 295/70/17 Ridge Grapplers on a 17x8 wheel with 4.5" BS and 0 offset. I did the fender liner mod and bumper trim but not BMC and no rubbing.

 

[MaddoxPics]

The issue I ran into when I went 285/70/17 was mostly the mud flap and having to push the fender liner forward. After both were removed I didn't have much of an issue unless I was off-roading, where I would rub like hell full lock.

Being I plan on going to a 75 once these tires are done, I decided to just do the body mount chop. If you find a good local shop that does them, they can come out real clean and pretty much look OEM. Of course there are others that IMO are disgusting and bound to eventually break off (I've seen some real tacky ones, but they are also very small compared to the good ones).

I clear now with zero issues, hardcore flex, doesn't matter.

If you are wheeling, I recommend just doing the chop.

 

[volpe30]

I swear I saw this truck at the Parkcenter Albertsons last week...



FWIW, I'm about to go to 295s, and have been thinking about how much I'll have to rearrange/chop off. Once I got my head under there and really understood what was involved with the BMC, I became a lot less hesitant to do it. Really seems like no big deal at all.

Could have been me! You’re in Boise? You have someone in Boise who you’d have do the BMC?


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[volpe30]

By chance are you running wheel spacers? Also, there is a fair amount of "play" in the rubber bushings during situations like you describe as well as off road even at slow speed. If it's minor, you could molt likely leave it. If you can get +5* caster, that's awesome. I was barely able to get 4*. Obviously the BMC will net you the most clearance, if you are willing to go that route.

I may just have them set caster at +5* and see how it does. But I’m thinking it’ll rub pretty bad off road, but maybe not. If it does a BMC may be in order.


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[KingTaco]

Could have been me! You’re in Boise? You have someone in Boise who you’d have do the BMC?


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Yep, I live in SE Boise. I was thinking about doing mine myself, but John at Boise 4x4 Off-road center and fabrication shop can definitely do it.

https://boise4x4.com/

He is about to adjust my Bilstiens for me (I am afraid of spring compressors).

 

[volpe30]

He is about to adjust my Bilstiens for me (I am afraid of spring compressors).

That is a smart thing to be afraid of!



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[jthoms1]

Charlotte NC Recommendations for shop to do BMC

So reading through this and looking under the Runner...I could definitely do the chop myself and leave it open. I am a bit anal retentive though and like the professional look of the OP’s job. Anyone have recommendations for a shop in the Charlotte metro area?

 

[Bayou_Pro]

So reading through this and looking under the Runner...I could definitely do the chop myself and leave it open. I am a bit anal retentive though and like the professional look of the OP’s job.

I agree with you there. I know I wouldn't be happy with it just open. Local shop here charges $250 so I'll just bring it to them.

 

[jthoms1]

I agree with you there. I know I wouldn't be happy with it just open. Local shop here charges $250 so I'll just bring it to them.

BP is your local shop a specialty off road shop? Wondering where to start looking. We do have a local 4 Wheel Parts chain shop. Not sure if that would be something they would do. I’m a shade tree mechanic and used do everything myself, so I’ve never looked. I just can’t weld.

 

[Bayou_Pro]

BP is your local shop a specialty off road shop? Wondering where to start looking. We do have a local 4 Wheel Parts chain shop. Not sure if that would be something they would do. I’m a shade tree mechanic and used do everything myself, so I’ve never looked. I just can’t weld.

Yes they are specialty offroad shop. Mainly a Jeep place but they knew exactly what I was talking about with I said Toyota Body Mount Chop. They do a lot of custom fab work so I feel pretty good about having it don't there. My local 4Wheel Parts store would do it but they charge way too much.

Again I'm in the same position as you in that I turn my own wrenches but I don't weld. I want it done right so I'll just have to pay in this instance.